I am tucked in close to the cliffs, out of the wind but note that foot!!

I have just got back from a 3 weeks trip,
painting up a storm:

on the beach

in the forest

on the bluffs

painting everywhere!!

However, You will be amazed at the Hazards!!

Part of the problem I think is that artists are crazy
people. As artists you get all excited at
some of the goofiest things: the light falling on the water; waves pounding on
the beach; the tall, old growth firs standing quietly on the trail. You grab your gear, set up and start to
work. Your family knows you are lost for
hours, maybe even days!!

But are you prepared??

1.Sunburns - (Probably the first
thing you would think of) Even if you start in the shade the light will change
and sooner or later you are in the sun.
I am usually pretty careful: hat, long sleeves, shady spot but watch out
for your feet. I was working away and quickly shifting when my work was
in the sun but who thinks of your feet!
My sandal feet got burnt!!

I was lucky when I worked on this forest scene - no mosquitoes!!

2.Bug Bites - I am more a spring
to fall Plein Air painter so the bugs are out when I am out!! You never know
when those guys will get you. Again,
those sandaled feet, sitting on a log and painting; who knew there were such
things as sand fleas!! Later, Sitting on the rocks, surf is pounding in, painting a lighthouse. Medium breeze off the water so no bugs
right? Well, except for the few hiding
behind my ears out of the wind!! Let me tell you, their bite meant business!!

3.Eye Strain - This is an issue - Sunglasses
or no Sunglasses? I am in the sunglasses
camp. When I paint, I am usually there
for hours and the glare off the paper and the scenery can be brutal. Yes, I do
agree that sunglasses change your colour perspective a bit. Definitely not the time to have those rose
coloured glasses. I find if I start the
picture with sunglasses it is better to finish it with them. That way the colours are consistent!!

Yes that is Rusty sitting on my lap. This weekend he turns 19. He still likes to curl up and keep me company when I paint. However, he sleeps for more than 1.5 hours now!! We were both in trouble!!

4.Muscle Strain - So easy to
do!! You find your spot, set up and you
are away!! Who pays attention to
time! You are in The Moment!! Hours can fly by and you haven't really
moved. Your arms, back and feet can
scream their head off but you know what it's like. "I will just finish this spot, then
break, wait, I need to darken that spot, okay, no that line is too sharp . .
." I have been lucky. My dog Rusty, paints with me. Either on my lap if I am sitting or at my
feet. He has a 1.5 hr limit and then he
says we need to stretch. He is soooooo
right!!

Easy to forget time here!!

5. Heat Stroke/Frost Bite/Dehydration - Again
this is so easy to do!! Remember, we are
in The Moment!!! Am I thirsty? Cold? Hot? Who thinks of these things
when the light is changing!! The excitement of moving in on a picture is all you feel. Then suddenly you are done, you
step back to admire your work and OMG!!!
"I am cooking and I haven't had a drink for hours!!" Like I said, part of the problem is Artists are
crazy people!!

Of course there are more
hazards: bear bits, cougar attacks, . . .When Rusty got restless and wanted to go I realized the coyotes were
vvvvvvvery close!

(Actually I
realized they had been making a noise for some time, I just hadn't really paid any attention)We got out of there very
quickly!!

Douglas Firs on the Trail - 5 x 7 - Ink

BUT despite the hazards the adventure is worth
it!!

Spending time observing and painting life is and
experience like no other. Every picture
definitely has a story!!

Rough Waters - 3 x 7 - Watercolour

Head out and paint but remember, like any
outdoor adventure you need to be prepared!!

4 comments:

I'm a plein air cheat. I paint plein air on my balcony. I paint plein air in my car. I paint at the local park 1/2 a block away, which has spectacular trees, flowers, games areas, waterpark and mountain views. One day I may get brave enough to do a plein air hike, but I'm too busy cheating to get around to it.

Brenda, for me it is great fun. I love the challenge to try and capture that moment and I love to be "out there". I am not much of an urban sketcher but I totally understand why Emily Carr wondered around BC and did what she did, even though the world did not support her.

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Meet Wendy

Canadian Drawing Master, Drawing Society of Canada.
Wildlife Artist.
I love to draw in pencil, ink and watercolour. My passion is “bringing nature to life”. Pet portraits are my specialty. For Sales or Commissions contact me, I would enjoy working with you. Thanks for stopping by.